St. Anthony’s Chapel has the largest collection of relics for public veneration with over 5000 relics housed in the Shrine of Saints. (The Vatican has the largest private collection of relics.) The collection was amassed by Father Suitbert Mollinger who is also responsible for the construction of the shrine. The chapel also houses the Father Mollinger museum.

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There are several reasons. Scripture teaches that God acts through relics, especially in terms of healing. You can read more here: http://treasuresofthechurch.com/about-relics . Veneration of relics allows us to be closer to the Saints who have gone before us (made it to heaven) and to ask for their intercessory prayers to God on our behalf. We often keep mementos of those we love to be closer to them such as locks of our children’s hair or their first teeth or a piece of clothing our loved one wore before they passed or a special item they used every day. It is the same with the relics of the Saints. You can find additional information on the Catholic Church’s teaching on relics here: http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/church-teaching-on-relics.html